50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
No better folks to climb a mountain with
In June 2018, 10 of us (5 each from 2 families) landed in Tanzania to climb a mountain. I did extensive research before we booked and Duma Explorers checked all the boxes. We wanted a company the was affordable, but more importantly one that treated the staff equitably and fairly. Prior to the trip, we were provided with all of the information we could ever need to make ourselves feel prepared. Communication was fast and easy. We were blown away by our experience. Each of the staff went beyond themselves to get to know us and to find out the little things we might like. We felt like the Kings and Queens of Kilimanjaro. We always had the best camping spot with the best views because the staff would rush off to beat the other companies there. The food was fantastic. It was clear from talking with the staff that they felt well cared for and that they absolutely loved Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our group aged from adults in their 50s to young adults in their teens with a wide variety of experience and fitness, but they managed not only to get us all to the top of the African continent, we were all at the summit together as a group. If you are thinking of any type of adventure in this part of Africa, and Duma has something available then there is no better choice. You will come away with some of the best memories you have ever had and you will meet some of the kindest people on earth.
GR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Romantic Kalahari
We would recommend to all lovers of nature to visit Kalahari. We were reading a lot about it, and what we can find there. But only when you put your feet in the red sand, you can realize what a gem is Kalahari. The animals, the nature, Bushmen tribes.. Wow wow wow!
We went in late November when the ground was literally melting under your feet, but Bumhi team with their special treats (cold drinks, fresh fruits and snacks, etc) made us feel like we are staying in a 5 star hotel on 4 wheels.
We spent 7 days in Kalahari, changing every few days the location / camp sites. Every spot had its own beauties and benefits. We were accompanied also with the bushman named Honeyboy who was giving us so many information about the flora and fauna in Kalahari. Every night, next to the fire, he was telling us fables. At the last day of Safari, we visited his village and his family, and they showed us their crafts and arts all made by their hands with the natural materials.
Watching thirsty animals gathering around water springs and enjoying fresh water under the burning star is something that we will never forget. Also so many different kind of birds and Ivana and Tende knew all about them.
Every evening Tende prepared us delecious meals, and Ivana made a lovely romantic setup for watching the stars and moon. We never saw Southern hemisphere constellations before,so Tende taught us so much about them.
I was 7 month pregnant and I asked Ivana if she is willing to help me with some exercise and yoga. It was important for me to get stretched after all day game ride. Immediately she said yes! She was the best! Helped me a lot! Like I had a personal trainer. Every day doing yoga and watching sunset or sunrise, is something that I could only dream of.
It was a lifetime trip and we owe huge Thank you to Bumhi Safaris team.
It is not always about destination, but it's who you travel with that makes it special. In our case it was great combo!
See you soon
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding customer service by Faith Chebet!!!
In June, 2019 I sent emails to eight different Mombasa safari tour companies. Not only was Faith Chebet of Kenya Tru Nomads Tours the first to respond, her email answered the three basic questions in my initial email. Several of the other tour operators never responded and the others responded with basically a generic email that required me to then send them another one with my same basic questions.
After I finally received pricing information from the other ones, and Faith sent that to me right away, I was able to compare. I liked how complete and detailed Faith’s quotes were (and she also helped me narrow down which park made the most sense given our constrained time frame), and decided to book our overnight safari with Kenya Tru Nomads for when our cruise ship was going to be docked for two days in Mombasa in November, 2020.
Via CruiseCritic I ended up getting 25 other cruise passengers that were interested in doing the overnight safari. Faith communicated very efficiently and quickly with me and we all paid our minimal deposit via PesaPal (Africa’s version of PayPal, I think). I continued to email Faith because passengers would come up with different questions that they needed answered. Faith always responded quickly and thoroughly.
Fast forward to March and April, 2020 and many passengers decided to cancel the cruise because of the coronavirus concerns. I was sending Faith many cancellation emails and I was hearing back from the passengers that they were getting their deposits refunded within a week.
Finally, in mid-May, 2020 the cruise was canceled because of COVID-19 and the rest of us had to request our deposits be refunded. Once again, all of them were refunded to us, without issues or hassle, within one week.
I am so sad that I will not be able to go on the safari in Mombasa. If the safari itself was anything like Faith‘s communication skills and thoroughness, we are going to miss a wonderful tour. So, I can’t actually review the tour, but as someone who has put many small group tours together for cruise ship passengers, Faith was a pleasure to work with and the most professional tour company person I ever dealt with. I am very sorry that I will not get to meet Faith or Kenya Tru Nomads employees in November and I am praying that the people and economy of Mombasa (and all of Kenya) are able to withstand COVID-19.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fascinating trip to the northern part od Ethiopia organized by SimienEcoTours
SimienEcoTours is the company that organized our safari trip in a perfect way. The programme of the journey was very impressive. The well-informed guides did their best to show us the highlights of their contry. They gave us enough time to photograph the breathtaking scenic views and told us interesting information about the world famous churches of Lalibela and others. My expectations were fulfilled and I'm looking forward to a trip to the southern part of Ethiopia as soon as it will be possible. - Of course organized by SimienEcoTours again!
Best wishes P.S.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well thought out trip iteneraries,enthusiastic and richly knowledgeable tour guides
Our trip to the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a highlight of our family travel. Through out the preparations, he paid attention to detail, always engaging and informative. The tour sites were superb with visits to away from the often visited sites. Our accommodation was clean, children friendly and great meals. The choice of sites and accommodation allowed our family (with 5 children) enjoy the trip without having to rush from one place to another.
The tour guides were rich in knowledge, enthusiastic, passionate and entertaining. It was a great time of fun,leisure and great learnings. It was a great Easter treat the children still talk about to this day.
NL
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Must Place to visit in Tanzania
You are surely going to see a lot of wildlife at here in Ngorongoro with a lot of tourists. Travelling down into the crater is of great beauty. It has some Awesome scenery. The animals are almost full time to see. In Selous you can't approach a wildebeest closer than 50 or 100 m. Here it sits still on the road as you drive by.It's a Huge agglomerations of wildlife and some pieces of dusty empty plains with some animals. It's all good to get your close and take some photos with animals. Some birds to see, not too spectacular - except for lunch steeling black kites. Fantastic experience to see this place with 4x4, at any time. Everything worth looking at has a group of vehicles around it.
NL
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Beautiful,,, simply beautiful
I was just Absolutely blown away by this place and want to thank Freka African Holidays for this amazing opportunity.
I heard from someone many years ago, that when it was under British reign the king fell in love with the beauty of this area so much, and he bought it from the Rwandans and it became part of Uganda- if this is true, now I can bitterly understand why he did.
It’s Just breathtaking !!! Truly Uganda is “The pearl of Africa”
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Ultimate experience at this amazing falls!!
We had a wonderful 4 days trip with East African Jungle Safaris on our vacations, together with my family members. We were very amused by the way they arranged and organised the tour for safari. With a good accommodation, Lodge they arranged had the best meals and staff was also welcoming. Our driver/giude was also a kind person. He was caring and had a comprehensive knowledge of wildlife. Thanks to this perfect tour company and to his team, we are looking forward to booking you again for Murchision falls
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorillas are the highlight of course. Beautiful forrest and landscape
Loved loved loved our trip to Bwindi National Park. Seeing the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural environment was breathtaking. A huge thank you to our guides and trackers who made this experience so fantastic and are doing such a great job in helping preserve these wonderful creatures.
As for many the gorillas were definitely the highlight on a trip to Uganda. The park itself lives up to its name, it is dense, beautiful forest. Our trek took about four hours up and about three hours down, hiking through dense jungle, swamps, up and downhill and was definitely tough but oh so worth it. Two guys were guiding the path with machetes. The difficulty we felt was more the track rather than physical exhaustion however some people suffered. But It was all rewarded when we found the gorillas. It was amazing how close you can get to them. These are very impressive animals, on the other side funny and playful. The way back was probably nicer as it was a permanent and well-maintained track, and offered some excellent views.
Overall, wonderful experience, can't wait to return one day.
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience - 7 days Kilimanjaro & 2 days Safari in Ngorongoro & Tarangire parks
Totally recommend !
Barafu organized a Kilimandjaro Trek, on the Machame Road and a Safari in the Tarangire and Ngorongoro Parks. I really had an amazing time ! Chance, the maanger, is very flexible and proposes the best formulas for your trip.
The guides (Mudi & Innocent) as well as the porters and the park ranger were super nice and helpful.
